It’s a good thing earth had so many rivers.

ok, to give it a fair shake.

At the time of the start of Starfleet Academy the Federation and Starfleet don’t really exist. They are indeed a mockery of their own ideals. It’s the baseline for just how crappy the universe got. Shit was bad man. Academy sets this up so you understand what’s at stake as they try to rebuild the Federation and Starfleet to bring hope back.

It is a Star Trek college show. It introduces us to some kids, the future of this show’s setting. But there is an underlying message of hope and getting back to the better way.

I am neither endorsing nor criticizing the show. I’m trying to answer your point.